Tuesday, June 6, 2017

Apple has announced watchOS 4 for Apple Watch at WWDC 2017. First up is a new Siri-based watch face… Details below.The new Siri watch face is a dynamic, intelligent option that changes what information is presented based on what’s on your calendar and in other apps. There’s also a new kaleidoscope watch face. There are also new character watch faces joining Mickey and Minnie: Toy Story

characters.

Apple Watch is also gaining new monthly challenges in the Activity app with new, personalized monthly challenges and new flair on achievements. The Workout app gains an updated user interface as well with improvements to swimming workouts.

High intensity interval training is a new workout added, and new workouts can be added during a current workout with a new plus button added in ongoing workouts for multiple workouts in a single session.

Apple Watch will also work with NFC-enabled gym equipment for sharing stats from the Apple Watch and gym equipment to share heart rate, incline, and more specs. Apple Watch-enabled gym equipment will start rolling out this fall.

watchOS 4 also includes a new Music app meant to improve the AirPods experience. Multiple playlists can now be synced including Apple Music-recommended playlists. Music also has a new look.

The Dock on watchOS 4 gains a new look with a vertically scrolling interface. watchOS 4 can also automatically start when workouts are started, and music playback controls are integrated with the Workout app.

Control Center gains a new flashlight function using the display which also works during outdoor, night workouts as a safety feature. watchOS 4 also includes new Bluetooth-pairing features with smart devices including glucose monitors and smart tennis rackets.

A developer preview of watchOS 4 will be available for all Apple Watches starting today and all customers later this fall.